PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has raised the reward money to P50 million for information on the killers of AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe. “The reward is at this time P30 million. I’m raising the ante. I’m putting it at plus P20 to P50” Mr Duterte was quoted as saying on Wednesday during a chance interview after his visit to the wake of Mr. Batocabe in Albay. In a statement on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said the President has also recommended to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to place the town of Daraga in Albay under the agency’s control. “The President vowed that he will not allow political terrorism, oppression, and intimidation… The President also reiterated the Alunan doctrine that no candidate should move around with bodyguards with long firearms, unless a permit is granted by the Comelec,” Mr. Panelo said. The Comelec, meanwhile, is set to review the President’s recommendation, which is the same as the one made by local election officials. In a press briefing on Thursday, Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said local Comelec officials fear that the recent killing of Mr. Batocabe and two other still unidentified victims in Daraga would intensify political rivalries. “Under the law, if the municipality is riddled with intense political rivalry, this can be placed under Comelec law,” Mr. Jimemez said. He added that the Philippine National Police has already expressed support for this proposal. In an area under Comelec control, “the Commission exercises full control and supervision over all national and local law enforcement agencies,” including the military. — Camille A. Aguinaldo and Gillian M. Cortez

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